How Justin Fields is gaining an advantage in Steelers' QB competition

Quarterback Russell Wilson remains limited 10 practices into Steelers training camp after he " tweaked " his calf doing a sled push.

Pittsburgh has said all offseason that Wilson has the "pole position" in the quarterback competition, but Justin Fields continues to take advantage of his reps with the first-team offense in Wilson's absence.

Fields has been putting his connection with wide receiver George Pickens on display and he's not surprised given their previous relationship.

"It's pretty easy to read him in and out of his breaks," Fields said . "We've known each other for a long time now to where it didn't really take that long for that connection to build back up."

When Pickens committed to Georgia in high school, Fields was there and "would always be with him on his visits."

That is why Fields and Pickens have been able to pick up where they left off, connecting on several occasions Sunday and their biggest play being a 70-yard catch and run for a touchdown.

The more Fields makes big plays like that in practice, the more he'll shorten the gap between him and Wilson in the battle for QB1.

Still, he knows if Wilson were healthy, he wouldn't have as many opportunities to make his case.

"I'm just trying to take advantage of each and every rep that I get," Fields added . "I know if he wasn't hurt then I wouldn't be in this position, so it's just opportunities for me."

Only time will tell when Wilson will fully practice, but Fields has been starting to earn the respect of his new teammates, including veteran wide receiver Van Jefferson.

"Justin has been doing great," Jefferson said . "I think he's taken on this role very strong. He's coming in and showing everyone what he can do and the progress he's made."

The more he proves he can lead the offense, the more difficult it will be for the Steelers to hand the keys back to Wilson, and even when Wilson does make his return, Fields' connection with Pickens could be the difference-maker.